ABI Research finds that the critical communications market, comprised of industrial/business, public safety, transportation, and utilities business segments, is poised for solid growth over the next decade. The global market is on track to top $8 billion in 2017. Important market drivers for the new melding of two-way and trunked communications businesses include the threat of terrorism, police and fire radio system integration, as well as the expansion of business and industrial communications and radio networks for transportation and utilities.

“Integration and interoperability of two-way radio networks is now mandatory due to the world’s increasing complexity,” says Lance Wilson, Research Director at ABI Research. “This includes present radio protocols like TETRA, DMR, APCO, as well as LTE, which serves as a bridge to the mobile communications markets.”

Critical communications has both a historical and modern day perspective and is comprised of companies ranging from Motorola Solutions and Harris to Hytera, Kenwood, and Sepura. Digital communications are becoming an important part of this new market and will continue to grab share as time goes on. Ultimately, the critical communications market will bridge the gap between commercial two-way radio and mobile wireless communication, incorporating complex data services, as well.

These fIndings are from ABI Research’s Critical Communications: Public Safety, Industrial/Business, Transportation, Utilities, and Other Radio Systems and Networks report.